Riverside

Mike’s generosity doesn’t go down well with George . . .

THANKS for a lovely lunch, Mary,” Ruby said. “You should both come to me next time.” Mary laughed out loud. “You must be kidding, after the last time!”

Ruby threaded her arm through her friend’s as they walked along by the river.

“Was that the time that I almost burned the kitchen down and we ended up going to the chippy?”

“You’ve never exactly been a domestic goddess.” Mary laughed.

“What can I say? I’m arty and creative. Therefore, I’m allowed to be a disaster in the kitchen.”

They walked along the riverside path in silence for a while. Shrubs and grasses planted just a few months before were now starting to green up and soften the edges of the pathway.

The regenerated riverside area was starting to look as if it belonged; a new and fresh part of Ryemouth.

As they walked on in silence, the river flowed gently alongside the path. Mary glanced at Ruby. “Has Paul been in touch?” she asked.

Ruby shook her head.

“Not since he sent those roses the other week. I don’t even like roses that much. It just goes to show how little he knew me.”

“But you said there was no card with the flowers,” Mary said.

“Nothing.” Ruby nodded. “But I know they were from him.”

Mary stopped and looked out over the river

“Are you sure?” Ruby nodded.

“Who else would they be from?”

“I’ve got something to tell you,” Mary said. “Let’s go and have a coffee in the Old Engine Room and I’ll tell you all about it.”

****

Inside the deli there were vases of tulips arranged artfully on shelves and in alcoves, which George had grown in his greenhouse at the allotment.

On the window-sill looking out on to the river were bowls of blue and pink hyacinths that George had grown, too.

“These are on the house,” Susan said, putting down two frothy coffees.

“You should really let us pay, you know. We don’t expect any favours when we come in.” Ruby smiled.

Susan turned her head to the deli counter where Mike was busy serving.

“They come with the compliments of the management.”

“Mike sent them over for us?” Mary asked.

“That’s nice of him. Tell him thank you,” Ruby said, waving over to Mike.

“Ruby,” Mary began. “I’ve got something to tell you about Mike.”

****

Ruby took the news better than Mary had expected. The smile that played around Ruby’s lips when she heard about Mike gave away how flattered she was.

“It’s not every day a girl finds out she’s got a secret admirer,” she confided. Mary stiffened.

“He’s coming over,” she whispered.

Sure enough, Mike was heading towards their table with Susan and Dave in tow.

“Ruby, Mary.” He smiled. “Lovely to see you both. I was wondering if I could have a quick word with Mary? Sorry, Ruby. I need her advice on something.”

Ruby gathered her coat and handbag.

“I need to get home in any case,” she said. “Thanks for lunch, Mary. I’ll see you tomorrow for our yoga class.”

Mike slid into Ruby’s vacated seat in the booth. Susan sat next to her mum and Dave next to his dad.

“It’s about these two,” Mike said. “Now they’ve set a date for the wedding, they’ll need somewhere to live and I think we’ve come up with the perfect plan.”

“Go on,” Mary said, intrigued. She and George had discussed whether Susan might move into Mike’s house with Dave. It was big enough, that was for sure.

But when Mike outlined his plan it wasn’t what she had expected. And she knew it wouldn’t go down well with George.

“Is this what you want?” Mary asked Susan and Dave when Mike finished.

“Absolutely!” Dave enthused.

Susan nodded her head. “Well, it’s a very generous offer, Mike. I’ll let George know, of course.”

“Thanks,” Mike replied. “I know how proud George can be, Mary. I wanted to put my idea to you first, because . . .”

“. . . because you weren’t sure how George would react? I understand. I’ll speak to him.”

Mary walked home, trying to form the right words in her mind. She knew Mike’s offer might send George flying off the handle. She knew it was going to be tough.

****

“Mike’s offered to pay for their honeymoon,” Mary explained.

“That’s good of him,” George huffed from behind his newspaper. “Nice to know he can afford it.”

He gave the newspaper a shake.

“He said he’ll help with any wedding costs, too.”

“No.” The newspaper rattled. “That’s my job,” he added sharply.

Then Mary dropped the bombshell.

“He’s offered to buy them a riverside apartment.”

George stayed silent. That, Mary knew, was never a good sign. More next week.